Testicular Cancer

In the Urologic Oncology Program, our testicular cancer experts follow a team-based approach to care. Our multidisciplinary team includes urologic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, nurse practitioners, and sexual and reproductive health experts, forming one of the most comprehensive testicular cancer programs in the region. 

This team meets regularly to review each patient’s case, determine the most appropriate treatment approach, and create an individualized care plan.

If you've been diagnosed with prostate cancer, or suspect you may have it, please call 734-647-8902.

If you're referring a patient, please contact M-Line: 800-962-3555.

For people with questions, please call our Cancer AnswerLine: 800-865-1125.

Common symptoms include:

• A lump or swelling in one or both testicles, with or without pain
• A heavy feeling in the scrotum

These symptoms can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions such as hydrocele or epididymitis.

Symptoms of advanced testicular cancer

If testicular cancer spreads beyond the testicles and regional lymph nodes, symptoms may include:

• Fatigue, fever, night sweats, or general illness
• Shortness of breath, cough, or chest pain

If testicular cancer is suspected, diagnostic testing may include testicular ultrasound, blood tests for tumor markers, and imaging such as chest X-ray or CT scans of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis.

If cancer is suspected based on these tests, surgery to remove the testicle (orchiectomy) is performed to confirm the diagnosis. Additional testing is then used to determine the stage of disease.

Surgery

• Orchiectomy 

  Surgical removal of the affected testicle through a small incision in the lower abdomen. Discomfort and swelling are usually mild and temporary.

• Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection (RPLND)
  
  In select patients, surgery may be needed to remove lymph nodes in the retroperitoneum(along the major abdominal blood vessels, including the aorta and vena cava) to assess or treat cancer spread.

  • Robotic RPLND

    Used in select patients, often with lower-volume or earlier-stage disease. This minimally invasive approach may allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery.

  • Open RPLND

    This approach involves a midline abdominal incision and usually requires several days of hospital recovery.

Additional treatments

• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy